2012 NBA Finals Matchup Breakdown

Stakes at their highest, who will rise the trophy?

Lets jump right into the matchups and then I will have some random thoughts at the end

PG
Westbrook vs Chalmers

This one is pretty easy to call here Westbrook will be running circles around Chalmers this whole matchup.

Edge: Thunder

SG
Sefolosha vs Wade

Wade needs to get started early in this Finals matchup otherwise I think Sefolosha's D simply irritates and ultimately ends up neutralizing Wade. Wade does benefit from not having to worry to much about Sefolosha on offense and will be able to slack off a bit defensively.

Edge: Heat

SF
KD vs LBJ

The NBA has been dreaming of this matchup since KD entered the league. KD is the best scorer in the league vs Lebron the best player in the league. There really is no advantage on either side of this matchup

Edge: Draw

PF
Bosh vs Ibaka

Bosh wins this matchup going into the series. However, if Ibaka continues to hit that jumper this is going to be the unheralded matchup of the series.

Edge: Heat

C
Perkins vs Anthony

With Bosh healthy I think you see Anthony starting again. While the offense will be atrociously bad from both of these players, the defensive edge will favor Perkins.

Edge: Thunder

Bench
Harden, Fisher & crew vs Miller, Battier and Co.

Fisher's experience and Harden's offense seal the deal for the bench here.

Edge: Thunder

Coaching
Scotty Brooks vs Spo

The Spurs series made me a believer in Coach Brooks while the Celtics series made me realize that the Heat don't really care what Spo is saying.

Edge: Thunder

The Thunder win the edge with coaching and bench and draw with starting lineups against the Heat. I think the Thunder take the series in 5

Huge shoutout to @kunaalj for giving this blog a CLE touch.

Random Thoughts
Sefolosho is my X-Factor, he has to slow down Wade and put the pressure on James
I think you see the rise of KD here on the defensive end and he is able to slow down the king a tad.
The Thunder are hungry, battle tasted and overall more talented from top to bottom which is why I am picking them.
I think you see a lot of Perkins on Bosh this series while Ibaka floats weakside on Anthony/Haslem and the rest of their big rotation.